Fernando Torres facts for kids

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Fernando Torres

Torres with Atlético Madrid in 2017
Personal information
Full name	Fernando José Torres Sanz
Date of birth	(1984-03-20) 20 March 1984 (age 41)
Place of birth	Fuenlabrada, Spain
Height	1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Team information
Current team	Atlético Madrid B (manager)
Youth career
1989–1991	Parque 84
1991–1994	Mario's Holanda
1994–1995	Rayo 13
1995–2001	Atlético Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2001–2007	Atlético Madrid	214	(82)
2007–2011	Liverpool	102	(65)
2011–2015	Chelsea	110	(20)
2014–2015	→ AC Milan (loan)	10	(1)
2015–2016	AC Milan	0	(0)
2015–2016	→ Atlético Madrid (loan)	49	(14)
2016–2018	Atlético Madrid	58	(13)
2018–2019	Sagan Tosu	35	(5)
Total		578	(200)
International career
2000	Spain U15	1	(0)
2001	Spain U16	9	(11)
2001	Spain U17	4	(1)
2002	Spain U18	1	(1)
2002	Spain U19	5	(6)
2002–2003	Spain U21	10	(3)
2003–2014	Spain	110	(38)
Managerial career
2021–2024	Atlético Madrid U19
2024–	Atlético Madrid B
Medal record Men's Football Representing  Spain FIFA World Cup Winner 2010 South Africa UEFA European Championship Winner 2008 Austria–Switzerland Winner 2012 Poland–Ukraine FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2013 Brazil Third 2009 South Africa UEFA European Under-19 Championship Winner 2002 Norway UEFA European Under-16 Championship Winner 2001 England
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Fernando José Torres Sanz (born March 20, 1984) is a Spanish football manager and former player. He played as a striker. Currently, he manages Atlético Madrid B. Because he scored so many goals when he was young, people called him El Niño (meaning 'The Kid'). This nickname stayed with him throughout his career. Many thought he was one of the best strikers in the world. He was known for his speed, scoring lots of goals, and great skills.

Torres started his football journey with Atlético Madrid. He moved up through their youth teams to the main team. He played his first game in 2001. He scored 75 goals in 174 La Liga games for the club. In 2007, Torres joined Premier League club Liverpool. He quickly became the fastest player in Liverpool's history to score 50 league goals. In 2008, he was ranked third for both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

Wanting to win more trophies, Torres moved from Liverpool to Chelsea in January 2011. This transfer was a record for a Spanish player at £50 million. At Chelsea, he won the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League. After Chelsea, Torres had a short time at AC Milan. He then returned to Atlético Madrid, where he won the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League. He joined Japanese club Sagan Tosu in July 2018. He retired from professional football after the 2019 season.

In 2003, Torres played his first game for the Spanish national team. He played 110 games for Spain. He is the country's third-highest goal scorer with 38 goals. He played in six big tournaments for Spain. These included UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, and 2014 World Cup. Spain won the 2008, 2010, and 2012 tournaments. Torres scored in the finals of both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. He also won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals in the 2012 tournament.

Early Football Journey

Fernando Torres was born in Fuenlabrada, Spain. He loved football from a young age. He joined his first youth team, Parque 84, when he was five. His grandfather was a big fan of Atlético Madrid.

Torres first played as a goalkeeper. At age seven, he started playing as a striker for Mario’s Holanda. This was a local 'indoor football' club. He was inspired by characters from the Captain Tsubasa cartoon. When he was 10, he joined Rayo 13. He scored 55 goals in his first season there. In 1995, at age 11, he joined Atlético Madrid's youth system.

Club Career Highlights

Atlético Madrid: Rising Star

Torres entering the pitch on his debut for Atlético Madrid on 27 May 2001

Torres moved up through Atlético's youth teams. He won his first important youth title in 1998. Atlético's under-15 team won the Nike Cup in Spain and Europe. Torres was named the best player in Europe for his age group. In 1999, at 15, Torres signed his first professional contract with Atlético. He spent his first year in the youth team. He played in the Honor Division when he was 16.

The 2000–01 season started tough for Torres. He had a shinbone injury that kept him out until December. Torres trained with the main team. He made his debut on May 27, 2001, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. This was against Leganés. A week later, he scored his first goal for the club against Albacete. Atlético almost got promoted to La Liga that season.

Atlético was promoted to La Liga at the end of the 2001–02 season. Torres scored 6 goals in 36 games in the Segunda División. His first season in La Liga, 2002–03, was better. He scored 13 goals in 29 games. Atlético finished 11th. In July 2003, Chelsea offered £28 million for Torres. Atlético's directors turned down the offer.

In the 2003–04 season, Torres scored 19 league goals in 35 games. He was the joint third-highest scorer in the league. At 19, Torres became Atlético's captain. Atlético just missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Cup. But they qualified for the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup. This gave Torres his first taste of European competition. He scored two goals in the matches against OFK Beograd. Atlético reached the final but lost to Villarreal on penalties.

Torres playing for Atlético Madrid in 2006

After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Torres said he turned down an offer from Chelsea. He scored 14 league goals in the 2006–07 season. English media reported that Liverpool wanted to sign him. Atlético announced a deal to sign Diego Forlán. This was seen as a replacement for Torres. On July 3, Torres passed a medical at Liverpool. He signed a six-year contract. The transfer fee was the highest in Liverpool's history at the time.

Liverpool: Golden Years

2007–08: Instant Impact

Torres played his first game for Liverpool on August 11, 2007. It was a 2–1 win against Aston Villa. His first Premier League goal came on his Anfield debut. He scored in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea on August 19, 2007. He scored his first hat-trick in a 4–2 win over Reading in the League Cup. His first Champions League goals came when Liverpool beat Porto 4–1. He scored twice in that game.

Torres was named Premier League Player of the Month for February 2008. He scored four goals in four games. This included a hat-trick against Middlesbrough. He scored another hat-trick against West Ham United. This made him the first Liverpool player since 1946 to score hat-tricks in two home games in a row. He became the first Liverpool player since 1996 to score 20 league goals in a season. He finished the 2007–08 season with 29 goals in all competitions. This broke Michael Owen's record for goals in a season.

Torres was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He also made the PFA Team of the Year. He finished second for the FWA Footballer of the Year award. On May 4, 2008, Torres scored a winner against Manchester City. This equaled a record of eight consecutive home league goals. He scored his 24th league goal in the last game of the season. This set a new record for the most goals by a foreign player in a debut season in England.

2008–09: Continued Success

Torres playing for Liverpool in 2008

Torres started the 2008–09 season with a goal against Sunderland. He then got a hamstring injury. He returned in a Champions League win against Marseille. He scored two goals in the Merseyside derby against Everton. He scored two more goals against Manchester City. The first of these was Liverpool's 1,000th Premier League goal.

Torres was injured again during a World Cup qualifier. He missed a Champions League game against his old club Atlético. He was named in the FIFPro World XI team for the 2007–08 season. Torres returned on November 8, 2008. He came on as a substitute in a 3–0 win against West Bromwich Albion. He was nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award. He finished third behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Torres scored two late goals to help Liverpool beat Chelsea 2–0. He was chosen as number 50 in The Times's list of "The 50 greatest Liverpool players." This showed his big impact. Torres faced Real Madrid in the Champions League. He scored the first goal in a 4–0 win. Liverpool moved to the quarter-finals. Four days later, he scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Liverpool won 4–1. His goal celebration, showing five fingers, was a hit with fans. It meant Liverpool's five Champions League titles. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year again. Torres scored his 50th goal for Liverpool on May 24, 2009. This was in his 84th game.

2009–10: Top Scorer Again

Torres (third from right) lining up for Liverpool in 2010

Torres signed a new contract with Liverpool on August 14. He scored two goals in a 3–2 win over West Ham United. A week later, he scored his first hat-trick of the 2009–10 season. This was in a 6–1 win over Hull City. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for September. He scored five goals that month. He became the Premier League's top goalscorer. On October 25, 2009, he scored the first goal in a 2–0 win over Manchester United.

Torres was named in the FIFPro World XI for the second year in a row. His winning goal against Aston Villa on December 29, 2009, made him the fastest Liverpool player to score 50 league goals. Torres made his last appearance of the season on April 8, 2010. He scored twice in a 4–1 win over Benfica in the Europa League. He missed the rest of the season due to knee surgery. Torres finished the season with 22 goals in 32 games. He was Liverpool's top scorer for the second time.

2010–11: Final Liverpool Season

Torres playing for Liverpool in 2010

Roy Hodgson became Liverpool manager. He said Torres would not be sold. Torres confirmed his commitment to Liverpool on August 3. He said his loyalty was the same as his first day.

Torres played his first game of the 2010–11 season on August 14. It was a 1–1 draw with Arsenal. He scored his first goal of the season on August 29. It was the winner in a 1–0 victory over West Brom. This was his 50th goal at Anfield. Torres scored the winning goal in a 2–1 win against Blackburn Rovers. He scored his final goals for Liverpool in a 3–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 22, 2011.

Chelsea: New Challenges

On January 27, 2011, Chelsea offered £40 million for Torres. Liverpool rejected it. He asked to leave Liverpool the next day, but it was also rejected. Torres moved to Chelsea on January 31, 2011. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract. The fee was reported to be £50 million. This was a new record for a British transfer. He became the sixth most expensive footballer ever. He played his first Chelsea game on February 6, 2011. It was a 1–0 home loss to his old club Liverpool. On April 23, 2011, Torres scored his first goal for Chelsea. It was against West Ham United in a 3–0 win. This ended a 903-minute goal drought. This was his only goal for Chelsea in the 2010–11 season. He played 18 games for his new club.

2011–12: Champions League Glory

Torres playing for Chelsea in 2011

Torres started the 2011–12 season in Chelsea's 0–0 draw against Stoke City. He scored his second Chelsea goal on September 18, 2011. It was in a 3–1 loss to Manchester United. He scored his second goal of the season against Swansea City. Ten minutes later, he received his first red card in English football. This led to a three-match ban. On October 19, 2011, Torres scored two goals in a 5–0 win against Genk in the Champions League. His next Chelsea goals came in an FA Cup quarter-final. He scored twice against Leicester City on March 18, 2012. This ended a 24-game goal drought. On March 31, 2012, Torres scored his first Premier League goal since September 2011. It was against Aston Villa in a 4–2 win.

Torres came on as a substitute against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final. He scored a last-minute goal. This gave Chelsea a 2–2 draw and knocked Barcelona out. Chelsea won 3–2 on total score. He scored his first hat-trick for Chelsea on April 29, 2012. It was in a 6–1 win against Queens Park Rangers. Torres played in the second half of the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final. Chelsea won the penalty shoot-out 4–3. His first full season at Chelsea ended with 11 goals in 49 games.

2012–13: Europa League Success

Torres playing for Chelsea in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup Final

Torres started the 2012–13 season in the 2012 FA Community Shield. He scored the first goal against Manchester City. Chelsea lost 3–2. On August 19, 2012, he played in Chelsea's first league match. It was a 2–0 win against Wigan Athletic. Torres scored his first goal of the season on August 22. It was in a 4–2 win against Reading. He also scored against Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Norwich City. Chelsea was at the top of the league early in the season.

Torres was sent off against Manchester United on October 28, 2012. He received two yellow cards. Chelsea lost 3–2. Torres scored his first Champions League goal of the season on November 7, 2012. It was against Shakhtar Donetsk. Chelsea won 3–2. On November 21, 2012, Roberto Di Matteo was replaced by Rafael Benítez as Chelsea manager. Benítez had coached Torres at Liverpool.

Torres ended a goal drought with two goals on December 5, 2012. Chelsea beat Nordsjælland 6–1 in the Champions League. Three days later, he scored two more goals. Chelsea defeated Sunderland 3–1. He then scored in Chelsea's 2012 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. Chelsea won 3–1 against Monterrey. He played in the 1–0 loss to Corinthians in the final.

On March 14, 2013, Torres scored as Chelsea beat Steaua București 3–1. Chelsea advanced to the Europa League quarter-final. With this goal, Torres became the first player to score in seven different competitions in one season. He scored twice against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League quarter-final. Chelsea won 5–4 on total score. Torres scored the opening goal in Chelsea's 2–1 win over Benfica. This was in the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final. He scored his first league goal of 2013 in the last game of the season. He finished the season with 22 goals in 64 matches.

2013–14: Final Chelsea Season

Torres warming up for Chelsea in 2014

Chelsea's new manager José Mourinho picked Torres to start against Hull City. He won a penalty kick in the fifth minute. He scored his first goal of the season in the 2013 UEFA Super Cup against Bayern Munich. On September 28, 2013, he was sent off against Tottenham Hotspur.

Torres made his 100th start for Chelsea against Schalke 04. This was in a Champions League match on October 22, 2013. He scored two goals in a 3–0 win. His first Premier League goal of the season came on October 27. He scored the winning goal in the 90th minute against Manchester City. He also helped set up André Schürrle's first goal.

AC Milan: A Short Stay

Torres joined Italian club AC Milan on a two-year loan on August 31, 2014. He played his first game on September 20. He replaced Andrea Poli in a 1–0 loss against Juventus. He scored his first Milan goal with a header in a 2–2 draw with Empoli.

Return to Atlético Madrid

Torres warming up for Atlético Madrid in 2015

On December 27, 2014, Torres's move to Milan became permanent. But two days later, he agreed to rejoin La Liga club Atlético Madrid on loan. The loan was until the end of the 2015–16 season. Alessio Cerci went from Atlético to Milan in the same deal. Torres was welcomed by 45,000 fans at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. He played his first game back on January 7. It was a Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid. Atlético won 2–0. Eight days later, he scored two goals against Real Madrid. These were his first goals in an away Madrid derby. Torres scored again in the quarter-finals against Barcelona.

Torres playing for Atlético Madrid in 2018

Torres scored the winning penalty in Atlético's shoot-out win over Bayer Leverkusen. This was in the Champions League round of 16. Four days later, he scored his first La Liga goal since returning. It was in a 2–0 win against Getafe.

On February 6, 2016, Torres scored his 100th goal for Atlético Madrid. This was in a 3–1 win against Eibar. It was his 295th game for the club. The next month, he played his 300th game for Atlético. He scored in a 3–1 win over Valencia. He scored the first goal in Atlético's Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona. He was then sent off ten minutes later.

Torres signed permanently for Atlético on July 5, 2016. He signed a one-year contract. In February 2017, he scored his 100th league goal in Spanish football. He scored two goals against Leganés. On July 4, 2017, Torres signed a new one-year contract. He stayed with his childhood club.

Torres came on as a substitute on May 16, 2018. Atlético beat Marseille 3–0 in the 2018 UEFA Europa League Final. He scored two goals in his last match with Atlético. It was a 2–2 draw against Eibar.

Sagan Tosu and Retirement

Torres signed for J1 League club Sagan Tosu on July 10, 2018. He scored his first goal for the club on August 22. It was in the Emperor's Cup against Vissel Kobe. His first league goal came five days later. He scored once and assisted two others in a 3–0 win over Gamba Osaka. On June 21, 2019, Torres announced he would retire from football. He played his last game on August 23, 2019. It was a J1 League match against Vissel Kobe. He faced former Spain teammates Andrés Iniesta and David Villa. Sagan Tosu lost the game 6–1.

International Career

Youth Success (2001–02)

In February 2001, Torres won the Algarve Tournament. He played with the Spain national under-16 team. The under-16s also won the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Championship in May. Torres scored the only goal in the final. He was the tournament's top scorer and best player. In September 2001, Torres played for the under-17 team. They played in the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship. The team did not get past the group stage. In July 2002, he won the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He played with the under-19 team. He was again the only goalscorer in the final. He was also the top scorer and best player of that tournament.

Senior Debut and Early Years (2003–06)

Torres played his first game for the Spanish senior squad on September 6, 2003. It was a friendly against Portugal. He scored his first goal against Italy on April 28, 2004. He was chosen for the Spanish team for UEFA Euro 2004. He came on as a substitute in Spain's first two group games. He started the deciding game against Portugal. Spain lost 1–0.

Torres celebrating victory with Spain at UEFA Euro 2008

Torres scored 7 goals in 11 games during qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was Spain's top scorer in qualifying. This included two goals against Belgium. He also scored his first international hat-trick against San Marino. In his first FIFA World Cup finals in 2006, Torres scored the last goal in a 4–0 win over Ukraine. In the second group match, Torres scored twice against Tunisia. He finished the tournament as Spain's top scorer with three goals.

European Champions (2007–08)

Torres was called up for Spain's Euro 2008 team. He helped set up Spain's first goal of the tournament. This was in the first game against Russia. Torres scored his first goal of the tournament in Spain's next game. It was a 2–1 win over Sweden. Torres scored the winning goal in the final against Germany. Spain won 1–0. He said it was a dream come true. He was named the man of the match in the final. He was also named as a striker in the Team of the Tournament.

World Cup Champions (2009–10)

Torres celebrating with Spain at Plaza de España on 12 July 2010 after winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Torres played his 60th game for Spain on March 28, 2009. It was a World Cup qualifier win over Turkey. He became the youngest Spanish player to reach this milestone.

Torres was named in Spain's team for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June. He scored his second hat-trick for Spain in 17 minutes. This was against New Zealand on June 14. It was the fastest hat-trick by a Spanish player. He played as Spain lost 2–0 to the United States in the semi-final. He also played in the third-place game. Spain won 3–2 against South Africa.

Torres had knee surgery on April 18, 2010. Spain manager Vicente del Bosque watched his recovery closely. Torres was selected for Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup team in May. On June 8, Torres played his first game in two months. He came on as a substitute against Poland.

Torres came on as a substitute in Spain's first World Cup match. It was a 1–0 loss to Switzerland. He started the next two matches against Honduras and Chile. Torres came on as a substitute in the final. Spain won the World Cup for the first time. They beat the Netherlands 1–0 on July 11, 2010.

Euro 2012 Glory (2011–12)

Torres (left) celebrating with Spain teammates Juan Mata and Sergio Ramos after winning UEFA Euro 2012

Torres was chosen for Del Bosque's Euro 2012 team. In his first start, he scored two goals. Spain defeated the Republic of Ireland 4–0. In the tournament final, Torres came on as a substitute against Italy. He scored one goal and helped with another. Spain won their second European Championship in a row with a 4–0 victory. This earned him the Golden Boot for the tournament. He had three goals and one assist.

Torres played his 100th game for Spain on September 7, 2012. It was against Saudi Arabia. He was the sixth-highest capped player for Spain. He started the game as captain.

Confederations Cup Top Scorer and Final World Cup (2013–14)

He became the first player to score four goals in one game in a FIFA Confederations Cup match. This was during a 10–0 win over Tahiti on June 20, 2013. Torres also became the first player to score two hat-tricks in the Confederations Cup. He won the tournament's Golden Shoe with five goals and one assist.

Torres scored a penalty in a World Cup warm-up match against Bolivia on May 30, 2014. The next day, he was named in Spain's final squad for the tournament. He came on as a substitute in the first two matches. Torres started the third group match. Spain had already been knocked out. He scored Spain's second goal in a 3–0 win over Australia.

Playing Style

Torres was known for his amazing skills. He could find open spaces and use mistakes by defenders. He was a hard-working striker. Torres would chase down and pressure opposing defenders. He could also create chances for other attackers. Sometimes, he played in a deeper role as a second striker.

Because he scored so many goals when he was young, Torres was nicknamed El Niño ('The Kid'). He could score with his head and both feet. In his best years (2007–2010), he was considered the best striker in the world. Before the 2009 Confederations Cup, the CBC called him "The golden boy of Spanish soccer." They said he was "one of the most dangerous forwards in the game." They noted he was "lightning quick, a deadly finisher and a player of such high class with the ball at his feet that he routinely makes the spectacular look ordinary." However, Torres lost much of his speed and form later in his career due to injuries.

Coaching Career

On July 25, 2021, Torres became the head coach of Atlético Madrid’s Juvenil A (U19) team. On June 11, 2024, he became the head coach of Atlético Madrid B. His first game as manager was a 1–0 home loss to Atlético Sanluqueño.

Personal Life

Torres's Tolkien tattoo can be seen on his left forearm

Torres's parents are José Torres and Flori Sanz. He married Olalla Domínguez Liste on May 27, 2009. It was a private ceremony in El Escorial, Madrid. The couple has three children: two daughters and a son.

Torres appeared in a music video for "Ya nada volverá a ser como antes." This song was by the Spanish pop rock group El Canto del Loco. The singer, Dani Martín, is friends with Torres. In 2009, Torres released his autobiography. It was called Torres: El Niño: My Story. Torres enjoys the books of J. R. R. Tolkien. He has a tattoo of Tolkien's name in Tengwar on his left forearm.

In 2011, a stadium in Fuenlabrada was built in his honor.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

Honours and Awards

Atlético Madrid

• UEFA Europa League: 2017–18
• Segunda División: 2001–02
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2015–16

Chelsea

• FA Cup: 2011–12
• UEFA Champions League: 2011–12
• UEFA Europa League: 2012–13
• FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2012

Spain Youth Teams

• UEFA European Under-16 Championship: 2001
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2002

Spain National Team

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012
• FIFA Confederations Cup runner-up: 2013; third place: 2009

Individual Awards

Torres with Spain, holding the Golden Shoe at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

• UEFA European Under-16 Championship Player of the Tournament: 2001
• UEFA European Under-16 Championship top scorer: 2001
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship Player of the Tournament: 2002
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship top scorer: 2002
• Liverpool Player of the Season Awards: 2007–08
• Premier League PFA Team of the Year: 2007–08, 2008–09
• Premier League Player of the Month: February 2008, September 2009
• BBC Goal of the Month: April 2009
• UEFA Euro 2008 Final: Man of the Match
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008
• Ballon d'Or third-place: 2008
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2008
• FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2008, 2009
• ESM Team of the Year: 2007–08
• Premier League Player of the Year by Northwest Football Awards: 2008
• FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Shoe: 2009
• Marca Leyenda award: 2012
• UEFA European Championship Golden Boot: 2012
• FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Shoe: 2013

Decorations

• Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2010
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit: 2011

See also

In Spanish: Fernando Torres para niños

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• Estadio Fernando Torres